August 2024
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Fire Safety and Prevention. As we head into the peak of this year's fire season, residents are reminded to be vigilant when it comes to fire safety. At the time of this entry, the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) rated the Fire Danger Level as HIGH, resulting in the following public advisory:
To determine the fire danger level at any given time and to obtain a comprehensive list of fire safety guidelines, please reference the CFPA website at www.coosfpa.net. Thank you in advance for doing your part to prevent fires. Power Outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. During a wildfire or severe weather event, power outages can occur due to damage to the City's Electric Utility infrastructure, such as power lines or power poles. There are also times when the Electric Utility may perform a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). This safety measure is designed to protect communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that could potentially cause the electricity system to spark wildfires. If a PSPS becomes necessary, the Electric Utility will notify its customers. While the Electric Utility strives to restore power to its customers immediately after an event, the Utility is required to inspect power lines for damages, which may occasionally lead to additional temporary power outages. Should this occur, your patience and understanding would be greatly appreciated by the City and its hardworking Electric Utility employees. Business Improvement Grant (BIG). The City of Bandon initiated a Façade Improvement Loan/Grant program in 2012 to enhance the appearance of businesses located within Urban Renewal District-One. This program expanded in 2014 to include properties citywide zoned General Commercial (C-2), with funding from a non-replenishable revolving loan fund. The aim was to encourage private investment through facade renovations by offering loans up to $10,000, or 70% of project costs, with no interest, and loan forgiveness over four years. However, the program's complexity, collateral requirements, and lengthy approval processes led to inefficiencies and delays.
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To address these issues, the City Council approved the Bandon Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program at its meeting on July 1. The BIG program is designed to simplify requirements, streamline the application and approval processes, and offer annual grants to qualified businesses. The grants can be up to $1,000 for minor improvements and up to $10,000 for major improvements. The grant program will require a 30% match from applicants, photographs of the property, quotes for labor and materials, lease agreements, and permits. Applications will be reviewed and administratively approved by the Planning Department. They must be submitted within a specific timeframe, with projects completed by the following year. The BIG program aims to enhance business aesthetics throughout Bandon and will be funded annually through the City's budget preparation process. Upcoming Library Events. The following events will be held at the Bandon Library in August:
National Night Out. Residents are reminded that the Bandon Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please stop by to say hello and enjoy the good food and festivities.
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